'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' presents 'Celebrity Week' to benefit Alzheimer's Association

by jmaloni

Sat, Sep 15th 2012 01:15 am

For
the third consecutive year, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," with
Emmy Award-winning host Meredith Vieira, joins forces with the
Alzheimer's Association to present "Celebrity Week," airing
Sept.
17-21
in recognition of World Alzheimer's Month. "Millionaire" money
raised throughout the week will all be donated to ALZ.

Vieira
said that being able to donate to ALZ each year means the world to
her because of her personal connection to the disease. "My dad
passed away from Alzheimer's and my brother, Steve, developed early
onset Alzheimer's, so it's a very personal issue to me," she
said. "I realize, sharing my story, how many other people have
similar stories. So to do anything to help get rid of this disease -
I'm on board."

In the
past two years, celebrities who have appeared on "Millionaire"
helped raise almost $600,000 for ALZ, including "Law & Order's"
Anthony Anderson who single-handedly won $250,000 in 2011. Each
participating celebrity is guaranteed to win at least $10,000 for
ALZ.

All
week, Vieira, participating celebrities and the studio audiences will
wear purple, the official color of ALZ. Friday, Sept. 21, is
Alzheimer's Action Day, and people are encouraged to "go purple"
that day and show support for the 35-million people worldwide and
their families who are affected by dementia. Go to www.alz.org/wam
for more information.